Assata: An Autobiography
  • Assata: An Autobiography
  • Assata: An Autobiography
  • Assata: An Autobiography
ISBN: 1556520743
EAN13: 9781556520747
Language: English
Release Date: Nov 1, 1999
Pages: 320
Dimensions: 0.9" H x 8.9" L x 6.1" W
Weight: 0.55 lbs.
Format: Paperback
Publisher:
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Book Overview

On May 2, 1973, Black Panther Assata Shakur (aka JoAnne Chesimard) lay in a hospital, close to death, handcuffed to her bed, while local, state, and federal police attempted to question her about the shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that had claimed the life of a white state trooper. Long a target of J. Edgar Hoover's campaign to defame, infiltrate, and criminalize Black nationalist organizations and their leaders, Shakur was incarcerated for four years prior to her conviction on flimsy evidence in 1977 as an accomplice to murder.

This intensely personal and political autobiography belies the fearsome image of JoAnne Chesimard long projected by the media and the state. With wit and candor, Assata Shakur recounts the experiences that led her to a life of activism and portrays the strengths, weaknesses, and eventual demise of Black and White revolutionary groups at the hand of government officials. The result is a signal contribution to the literature about growing up Black in America that has already taken its place alongside The Autobiography of Malcolm X and the works of Maya Angelou. Two years after her conviction, Assata Shakur escaped from prison. She was given political asylum by Cuba, where she now resides.

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Book Reviews (13)

5
  |   13  reviews
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4
   A great read
I've read this book in 3 days. I thoroughly enjoyed it, said Blair. I was looking for more, Mr. Dhaliwal said. I think it's a good read, especially for anyone who wants to understand the great injustice this legal system within the United States places upon Black people who are in search of freedom, he said.
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
5
   Very Eye-Opening
An inspirational and irreverent look at the world's favourite pastime. Fatimah's courage to speak out against injustice was a great lesson for all young women who are willing to fight for the cause. We all have choices, Mr. Caramore said. In "The Age of Enlightenment," Henri Rousseau argues that "you can't unlearn what you learn in this book." The whole thing is a fraud, and we need to get ready for battle.
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
5
   Wow
This book felt as though As data herself was telling me her life story over a great cup of tea, in an over-sized mug in front of a crackling fire. She was blunt, honest, deep, not preachy, and straight to the point.
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
5
   Racism, justice, empowerment
This was an amazing autobiography! I had heard of Assata Shakur but didn’t know how much she had been through throughout her life since a young girl and all she had accomplished.
A must read!
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
5
   My Favorite Book 😍
My favorite book I had it and read it 30 years ago, it's about time for another read and passing to my family so they can grow as well.
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
5
   The Power of Black Womyn
Shakur's widow, La Toya, said: "This book is an incredible account of Assata Shakur's life. Through her life experiences, she blends history and poetry. She is a fighter, but her unbreakable spirit and resilience give hope for the future, he said. Shakur shines a light on the corrupt systems that oppress black and brown people across the United States. In her first interview, DeVries said she was physically and mentally tortured at the hands of police and prison guards. I walked away from this book knowing I had to do more, inspired to work for change, she said. We are at a seminal moment in the history of this nation, he said. Like Assata, we must rise up against the oppressors. Shakur's gives us a blueprint on how we can do that, how much we have to risk, and what is at stake, he said.
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
3
   A bit worn but still a great purchase
It has quite a bit of written notes in it which is a bit annoying, but overall is in good condition, Mr. Dhaliwal said. The book's spine doesn't have Assata's name in bold print, but I'm glad I purchased it.
 
Recommended to buy: No
5
   Excellent Read
After that, I start reading very few books, and finish reading even fewer. This was not only an engaging read, but an insightful and unique view of American history and culture from the perspective of someone who experienced it. I imagine it will be too intense for some and the political schism will certainly put off or offend others, but I think most will get something from the book, Graham said.
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
5
   🙌🏽😩
This book is by far the best. Only a few weeks ago, I was so upset I hadn't read it. Before reading the book I thought it would mostly focus on the jersey turnpike accident, Morgenthau said. She also left behind a wealth of background material that made me feel close to her. But also I feel like she did an amazing job of showing how racism had transformed over time, she said. It was crazy reading how they continuously tried to railroad her in the court system, Garton said. She was put in situations where most would say she was in a losing battle yet she never stopped fighting, she said. 0 5171 2171 Many would say she was in a losing battle yet she never stopped fighting, she said. Even though I'm not a huge fan of Gillian Flynn's fiction, I can definitely see myself reading this book again.
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
5
   and finally to rediscovering herself and falling in love with her Blackness
In her autobiography, Shakur tells us of her life from adolescence to late 20s, growing up in poverty and finally rediscovering herself and falling in love with her Blackness. She speaks of how Hoover's COINTELPRO effectively tore-establish Black resistance movements by arresting, murdering, deceiving, and doping the Black community. Those of you that are reading these reviews pay close attention to those with 1 or 2 stars. Note the large number of people who didn't bother to read the book. The review is based on the belief that all fiction is true. Do your own research and compare it with the words of Shakur. And to those that haven't read the book and are giving negative reviews because your 5th grade History teacher, Mrs. Slurbanowski, told you Assata is a bad person, I want your next book to be a detailed history on COINTELPRO so that you can see exactly how your government interacted with the Black community during Shakur's time on these shores.
 
Recommended to buy: Yes
12

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